UKREiiF wins Raising the Bar Award
The UK’s Real Estate Investment & Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) has picked up an award at the Raising the Bar Awards 2024, hosted by the West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce. The Raising the Bar Awards honours the most ethical and socially responsible businesses across West and North Yorkshire, recognising their dedication to supporting their…
York primary schools urged to take part in new national school breakfast club scheme
Primary Schools across York are being urged to join the Government’s scheme to host free breakfast clubs, following on from the pioneering work of the city’s York Hungry Minds Appeal. Last week [24 September], Chancellor Rachel Reeves, announced plans to fund free breakfast clubs in 750 ‘early adopter’ state-funded primary schools across the country from April next…
York walls in bloom
Residents and visitors will be able to experience areas of the city walls from a fresh perspective next spring, as this unique and historic space blooms into life. Volunteers and businesses from across the city are coming together this week to help transform the City Walls embankments, for the first phase of the York Walls in…
TMMT Celebrates Prestigious Award Win!
We are thrilled to share that The Medicines Management Team (TMMT) has been recognised for its outstanding contribution to healthcare at this year’s CDAwards. Our very own Mohammed Rashad, one of TMMT’s esteemed leaders, was awarded Manager of the Year, an honour that highlights his exceptional leadership and unwavering commitment to improving patient care. Judges said…
New housing for disabled people agreed
To meet the increasing need for specialist housing for disabled adults or adults with learning disabilities in the community, senior Councillors have agreed to build approximately 14 new homes in Acomb. The one-bedroomed apartments with communal areas and support facilities will be built on one of the two undeveloped plots on the popular Lowfield Green…
Plans to create a dedicated hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) in York get the go ahead
Proposals to create a specialist hub for children and young people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and their families have been approved by City of York Council’s Executive [Thursday 12 September]. Reflecting the ethos of the city’s other Raise York Family Hubs, the plans will bring services to support children and young people…
Yorkshire garden centre group supports running challenge for gardening charity
Two members of a Bradford-based garden centre group have joined a runner who is running every day to raise money for charity. Yorkshire Garden Centres’ Commercial Director, Sharon McNair and Head of Finance, Katie Young, joined runner Kate Ebbens for a 5k run to celebrate the group’s support for the Greenfingers charity which is dedicated…
Stephenson pays it forward with support for Getting Clean social enterprise
Stephenson, a global leader in personal care and cosmetic ingredients, has pledged its support for Yorkshire-based social enterprise CIC Getting Clean. This volunteering project was formed by recovering addicts to support those still struggling with addiction in local communities in Leeds, helping them stay clean and sober. Getting Clean’s ‘Soap with Hope’ programme assists recovering people…
York Mental Health Partnership wins £2.44m for new 24/7 mental health hub
York’s Mental Health Partnership (YMHP) has successfully secured £2,448,856 over two years to enhance mental health support available to York residents. YMHP and the Connecting our City project will use this funding to develop a new 24/7 community mental health hub in the west of the city. This hub will be open 24/7 to local…
West Yorkshire homebuilder aces charity golf day for candlelighters
A charity golf day arranged by Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West has raised £11,000 for its charity of the year, Candlelighters. 19 teams made up of 76 golfers, including Barratt and David Wilson Homes’ employees and sub-contractors, took part in the tournament which was held at Garforth Golf Club in Leeds. The funds…
Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation unveils £1 million grant programme to boost employability in Bradford
Yorkshire Building Society Charitable Foundation has unveiled a new £1million grant programme for charities that support employability in Bradford and is calling for relevant groups to submit an application for funding by 29 September 2024. Yorkshire Building Society has a long heritage in the Bradford area. One of the mutual’s founding organisations, the Bradford Self…
West Yorkshire housebuilder calls for applications for community fund scheme
Local housebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes Yorkshire West is encouraging charities to get in contact and apply for its Community Fund scheme which is worth £1,500. The Community Fund scheme sees the developer support a different charity every month with a donation of up to £1,500 to aid the incredible work being done at…
York supports infant feeding choices during World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August)
York’s health and childcare leads are reminding parents and carers that there is a wealth of advice and support available in York around infant feeding. The reminder coincides with World Breastfeeding Week (1-7 August), which this year has the theme ‘breastfeeding support for all’. The international campaign, organised by the World Health Organisation, will celebrate…
Top tips to help butterflies flutter by in West Yorkshire this Summer
To celebrate Butterfly Conservation’s Big Butterfly Count (12th July to 4th August), leading homebuilder Barratt and David Wilson Homes has teamed up with Butterfly Conservation to share top tips on how to help butterflies and moths this summer. Sam Wood, Sales Director at Barratt and David Wilson Homes, said: “As a leading housebuilder, we take…
Summer holidays begin with the launch of ‘Shared City Manifesto’ to keep York residents and tourists in harmony
York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice partners with Good Organisation on project to amplify residents’ voices As Europe sees a wave of anti–tourism protests, academics and community groups have teamed up to safeguard York against becoming such a flashpoint. York St John University’s Institute for Social Justice and Business School have partnered with…
Illustrators support children’s charity with live portrait drawing at Henley Royal Regatta
On 7 July 2024, Chloe and Abigail Baldwin attended the Henley Royal Regatta where they illustrated portraits of patrons and regatta guests at a pavilion hosted by Copas Events to support Roald Dahl’s Marvellous Children’s Charity. The pair are the dynamic duo behind Buttercrumble, the award-winning design and illustration studio based in Leeds. Among their…
Three York parks recognised as some of the country’s best green spaces
West Bank Park, Clarence Gardens and Glen Gardens have been recognised by the Green Flag Award Scheme as some of the very best in the UK. The Green Flag Award is the international quality mark for parks and green spaces and is assessed by independent judges. It is a sign to the public that the…
York families to get £300,000 funding support boost
Children and young people in York will benefit from work to explore how to best help families facing challenges, thanks to a £300,000 funding boost. City of York Council is one of only four local authorities chosen to partner with Foundations, the national What Works Centre for Children and Families, – and the Youth Endowment…
Trinity Leeds to host ‘Tree of Pride’
In celebration of Leeds Pride (21st July), Trinity Leeds is hosting a ‘Tree of Pride’, inviting guests to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future. The community art piece will be touring the country gathering the public’s messages of love, unity, and acceptance on its journey. Guests can…
Spawforths transitions to employee ownership, empowering employees and setting the foundations for growth
Spawforths, one of the largest independent planning, masterplanning and architectural consultancies in Yorkshire, is proud to announce its transition to an employee-owned company. This strategic move is set to empower its 22 employees, allowing them to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy. With a rich history of innovative and award-winning work…
One of the lowest funded councils needs residents’ help to protect essential services
City of York Council is launching its biggest budget consultation ever and is asking the community to identify the services they most rely on to ensure essential services continue. The council is facing an unprecedented financial challenge that demands immediate action. As one of the lowest funded unitary authorities in England, and after more than…
York Cares Golden Moments Awards 2024: Celebrating the city’s unsung heroes
The fifteenth annual York Cares Golden Moments Awards honoured the remarkable contributions of employee-volunteers to the city of York. More than 90 guests, including the Civic Party, and ambassadors and volunteers from various York Cares member organizations and community partners, gathered at Aviva’s Wellington Row premises to celebrate the achievements of York’s unsung heroes. Some…
Join in: seven ‘Days of Action’ to help clean up Bradford, Keighley and Huddersfield
Housing provider Incommunities has announced a series of ‘Days of Action’ to help clean up local areas. The seven Days of Action will see Incommunities teaming up with local residents to undertake activities like litter picking, painting, and planting shrubs. Colleagues from Bradford Council, Kirklees Council and West Yorkshire Police will also be on hand…
54North Homes to build new sustainable homes in Leeds
Work is set to begin on a new scheme that will deliver 28 affordable and sustainable homes in the Armley area of Leeds. The properties will be built by 54North Homes on a brownfield site on Wesley Road, using funding provided by Leeds City Council and Homes England. The £5.1 million development will comprise 26…
York launches new air alert service
City of York Council has launched a new service designed to send free air pollution alerts and health advice to residents and visitors most likely to be affected by air pollution. The York Air Alert service is funded by DEFRA and aims to give advanced warning of when air pollution is expected to be higher than usual,…
York’s free school meals pilots reach 6-month milestone
School pupils at two primary schools in York are celebrating the six-month anniversary of an ambitious scheme to pilot free school meals for children in the city. Pupils in key Stage 2 (years 3-6)* at Westfield Primary Community School started receiving free school lunches at the start of the year, thanks to funding from City…
Join the conversation about new homes and area improvements in Walmgate and Fishergate
Residents of Walmgate and Fishergate are invited to drop-in sessions about the next steps to build 140 affordable, energy-efficient homes and improve local residential areas. Walmgate People living in Walmgate are invited to chat with members of the Council’s Housing Delivery Programme (HDP) and the design team including architects from Mikhail Riches. This conversation with…
Quality and quantity of council homes to increase
Councillors are looking at new and innovative ways to significantly increase the quality and quantity of affordable homes in York, so more residents can find secure and genuinely affordable homes. To do this, the Council is reporting on recent house building and buying, and has identified a number of opportunities to boost affordable housing delivery….
Council commissions new £1.8m drug and alcohol service contract to help the residents of York
City of York Council has awarded the drug and alcohol service contract to a leading health and social care charity Change Grow Live. The charity will deliver a £1.8m service to provide community-based treatment and interventions for York residents wishing to access support for substance/alcohol use. Change Grow Live helps tens of thousands of people…
Otley garden centre provides plants to renovate Leeds children’s charity garden
The team at Otley Garden Centre has provided subsidised plants to support the renovation of three areas of Leeds Children’s Charity’s Lineham Farm in Eccup. Leeds University student, Aaron Cook approached Otley Garden Centre for support when he and fellow university students wanted to renovate the garden at Lineham Farm in memory of a friend…
Spawforths transitions to employee ownership
Spawforths, one of the largest independent planning, masterplanning and architectural consultancies in Yorkshire, is proud to announce its transition to an employee-owned company. This strategic move is set to empower its 22 employees, allowing them to share directly in the company’s success and future growth strategy. With a rich history of innovative and award-winning work…
Redcentric scale Scafell Pike to raise money for Children’s Heart Surgery Fund
Redcentric have been supporting Children’s Heart Surgery Fund since 2022 when they took on their first Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge. They have raised over £20,000 in the last few years, which is an incredible achievement and has helped the charity to support every baby and child born with a heart problem in Yorkshire. This year…
Leeds charity partners with university to stop refugees and asylum seekers being ‘treated like objects’
Give a Gift and York St John University researchers aim to change the blueprint for support service design. York St John University and Give a Gift are proud to launch the findings of a 10-month study aimed at improving the lives of refugees and asylum seekers living in the UK. The work was launched after…
Azets takes Pride in diversity
Top 10 UK accountancy firm Azets in Yorkshire has strengthened its support for the LGBT+ community with backing for this June’s Pride celebrations. The company has a longstanding commitment to equality, diversity and inclusivity for its 3,000 staff in 70 offices and the clients they serve. Azets’ Yorkshire region has led the way by backing…
Bradford College receives £2.6m grant to help tackle climate change
Bradford College has been awarded a £2.6 million grant for energy-efficiency works that will contribute to ambitious national net-zero targets. Delivered by Salix and run by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, the Phase 3c Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) aims to slash energy bills and reduce carbon emissions. The Scheme targets public…
Yorkshire Building Society joins network helping less advantaged progress
Yorkshire Building Society has joined a network of organisations aimed at making sure colleagues can progress in their financial services careers, regardless of their background. The announcement comes ahead of Social Mobility Day, on 13 June, which aims to promote opportunities at work for all and show people from less advantaged backgrounds they can progress….
AAB raises over £100k at second AABIE charity ball
FPM, an AAB Group Company, hosted over 450 guests at the AABIE Charity Ball, held for the first time in Newry on Saturday night (June 8) Held in the city’s Canal Court, the Ball raised a remarkable £100,369 for the AABIE Charitable Initiative (known as ‘AABIE’) with all funds going directly to the charity. Feargal…
‘Tree of Pride’ set to return to White Rose this month
In celebration of Pride Month, White Rose Shopping Centre is once again hosting its ‘Tree of Pride’ on 8th and 9th June, inviting visitors to decorate the tree with their pledges to work toward a more inclusive and caring future. Following a successful debut in 2023, the community art piece will be touring the country gathering the…
Leeds Beckett experts leading new project to reduce carbon footprint of Leeds manufacturers
Business and computing experts at Leeds Beckett University are joining forces with Leeds-based Quality Bearings Online Ltd (QBOL) to reduce the company’s carbon footprint, by creating an innovative new business model for the net zero era. The project is a 30-month Knowledge Transfer Partnership (KTP), part-funded by the Government through Innovate UK. The academics and QBOL will create…
Yorkshire Building Society colleagues clock up 6,500 hours for good causes
Colleagues at Yorkshire Building Society gave over 6,500 hours of their time to good causes in 2023 and the Society hopes that even more will get involved with community activities this year, the mutual has said ahead of Volunteers’ Week (3-9 June). Yorkshire Building Society allows each employee up to 31 hours of volunteering time…
Council support for struggling households
Ahead of Government financial support ending in September 2024 for households battling the cost of living crisis, residents are urged to claim all they are eligible for and see where they can get discounts and lower their bills. The reduced Household Support Funding for York of £1,037,906 is available until 30 September, and will provide…
York Children’s Services’ worker receives national award
A City of York Council staff member working with children and young people in care has won a national award for her work. Annie Whitley, a Corporate Parenting and Co Production Advisor, was nominated at the national Frontline Awards, which Celebrate amazing social workers and young people with lived experience of social work. Frontline described Annie’s…
Council launches Buzz About York
City of York Council is launching the ‘Buzz About York’ campaign to promote biodiversity and help wildlife flourish across the city. We are trialling sustainable planting in flowerbeds with long-lasting, perennial plants that will provide a good source of nectar for bees, butterflies and other pollinators. This will: increase biodiversity; provide habitats for insects and…
City of York Council celebrates the life-changing impact of its amazing foster carers during Foster Care Fortnight (13-26 May)
City of York Council is celebrating the life changing impact its foster carers have on the lives of local children and young people. The council cares for over 200 children and young people in York and local foster carers provide safe, loving homes if they can’t live with their own families. Ordinary people doing the…
Yorkshire Children’s Charity is named garden centre group’s charity of the year
The Yorkshire Garden Centres (YGC) group has announced that Yorkshire Children’s Charity will be its Charity of the Year for 2024 following a unanimous team vote. Through a series of fund-raising events and collection boxes at the tills, the teams at Yorkshire Garden Centres’ four sites at Tong, Tingley, Otley, and Bingley plus Dean’s of…
Access consultation delivers five new bays for Blue Badge holders and businesses
Following the Council’s consultation on making York city centre more accessible, five new experimental bays open today (21 May) for Blue Badge holder parking and business loading. Disabled people, residents and business have been consulting with the Council since November 2023 in a number of different ways, including drop-in sessions, online and in-person workshops. They…
Castle Howard raises record-breaking £25,000 for GOSH Charity
Castle Howard have achieved an extraordinary milestone by raising an amazing £25,000 for Great Ormond Street Hospital Children’s Charity (GOSH Charity). This is the largest charitable sum raised in the North Yorkshire stately home’s recent history. Castle Howard fundraised for the charity as part of their Peter Pan-themed Christmas in Neverland event, which ran from…
New report delivers blueprint for colleges to enhance West Yorkshire’s finance and professional services sector
A new report sets out how colleges can play a leading role in supporting West Yorkshire’s flourishing finance and professional services (FPS) industry. Commissioned by Luminate Education Group, the research builds on the work of the Yorkshire and Humber Financial and Professional Services Skills Commission, and highlights how colleges are currently an untapped resource for…